Our family recently took a trip to Pigeon Forge. It was wonderful to spend time with our whole extended family under one roof. There is nothing like seeing cousins bond over being silly and having pillow fights. Before heading out on our trip I did a quick search for Pigeon Forge Activities for Toddlers and found a lot of great ideas!
Here are the Pigeon Forge activities for toddlers that we did during our family trip!
Dollywood
Lucky for us our rental was right around the corner from Dollywood. Dollywood is a great amusement park that has a little bit for everyone. Unfortunately, our trip that cut short by rain, but we still made the best of it and hit up all of the “toddler” rides before we had to leave.
- You can leave and reenter. **TIP: Keep your parking receipt so you do not have to pay again.**
- There is a parking lot tram, but if you have a wagon, like we did, I’d consider walking. All in, it was about the same amount of time.
- You can take in 1 sealed drink per person. We had no issues with this.
- When you walk in, to the left, there is the Ride Accessibility Center. We decided to wait in line so our son’s wagon would be considered a wheel chair rather than a stroller. They also measured his height so we knew what rides he could go on. You, also, get a handy-dandy card to hold on too that lists the rides your child is tall enough to ride.
- Right behind the Ride Accessibility Center you can have your child measured for rides. **TIP: They are separate lines. Don’t get stuck waiting in the wrong line.** They get a colored wrist band. This is great because you know exactly what rides they can ride without any disappointment in line.
- Everything after this was a pretty standard amusement park experience. There was a nice toddler area with rides. The lines were pretty short. They also have indoor activities if it is hot.
- Since it did rain while we were there, we were given rain passes to return at a later date.
- All in all, we had a nice time. It is a great outing, especially if you have mixed ages or interests. There is something for everyone.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
This might have been my favorite Pigeon Forge activities for toddlers! The aquarium is geared towards younger children, toddlers through elementary school aged. It has exhibits that are easy to see, even by toddlers with little legs. It also has a very clear path to make your way through to see everything.
- Parking is easy! There is a parking garage right behind the Aquarium.
- Ticket prices were reasonable.
- It wasn’t overly crowded.
- They have really cool multi-level play structure.
- The Shark Lagoon was cool! I don’t think I’ve ever been that close to sharks before.
- Once you’re done at the aquarium, take a nice stroll around downtown Gatlinburg. It is very walkable and there are lots of shops and restaurants.
The Island
The Island is an outdoor area with a great collection of rides, museums, shops, restaurants and other various attractions. You could easily spend all day here.
- Parking is free.
- You have to buy tickets for each ride/activity. You can purchase tickets by-ride or get a full day pass.
- There is a BIG ferris wheel that was a nice ride for the whole family. **TIP: It is air conditioned and therefore a nice break from the heat. It also has great views.**
- There is also a nice ropes course. They have a toddler-level and a big-kid level.
Three Bears General Store
We had some spare time on afternoon and decided to hit up the Three Bears General Store. It give a whole new meaning to ‘general store’ – not only do they have EVERYTHING, shopping, food, ice cream, but they also have 3 bears. If seeing 3 bears up close and personal isn’t a great Pigeon Forge activity for toddlers, I don’t know what is…
- Free parking.
- It is right on the main drag with all of the other Pigeon Forge activities.
- It is only $4 per person to see the bears. It costs a little bit more to feed them.
Pool
Never underestimate the power of a good pool as a solid Pigeon Forge toddler activity! Our rental house had access to one for free and we spent an entire afternoon there! Nothing says fun for all ages like a good pool day.
Restaurants
- Alamo Steakhouse – Adults only Dinner, but there were kids there.
- JT Hannah’s Kitchen – Family-Friendly; Big Menu; Quality Food
- Mellow Mushroom – Chain Pizza Restaurant; Family-Friendly; Quality Food; Fun Vibe
- Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina – Mexican Restaurant; Family-Friendly; Mechanical “Burro”
Enjoy Pigeon Forge!
That is my list of Pigeon Forge activities for toddlers! I hope this gives you some ideas and brings you as many good memories as it did my family.